Cagayan: History, Nature and Craftsmanship

In Cagayan, travel ideas range from a fort that once protected Nueva Segovia, also known as Lalloc, to island coastlines, pottery traditions and nature trails. As you plan, consider which of these aspects interest you most: history, landscapes, local traditions or outdoor experiences.

Fort History, Tunnels and Pottery

Fort Lalloc in Lal-lo is the site of the former Fort San Francisco. Built before 1755, it was maintained to protect the town of Nueva Segovia, also known as Lalloc. The fort contains a powder magazine and an ammunition magazine. Both its former protective role and its magazines are part of the site’s history.

The Japanese Tunnel, also in Lal-lo, offers a very different spatial experience. It consists of a network of branching and intersecting tunnels, with a water-filled well in the middle. The tunnel is suited to adventurous exploration. Unlike the fort, the focus here is on the branching underground network and its well.

In Iguig, the place is known as the “Pottery Center of Cagayan.” The pottery tradition there is rooted in the abundant red clay soil. This gives the craft a direct connection to the place and its materials. If you would also like to discover local traditions during your trip, pottery in Iguig offers a distinct focus alongside the historic sites.

Piat offers a culinary discovery: visitors can sample the local specialty “pawa.” Pottery in Iguig and pawa in Piat offer different ways to experience local character—one through craft, the other through a regional specialty.

Palaui Island: Coastal Scenery and a Lighthouse

Palaui Island features rugged cliffs and coastlines, expansive grasslands and valleys, uninhabited islands, and white coral beaches. Its landscape offers a variety of impressions. After a trek, hikers can reach the weathered Cape Engaño Lighthouse (Faro de Cabo Engaño) on the island. Dating from the late 19th century, the lighthouse gives the trek a specific destination.

Efforts to preserve and protect Palaui Island and promote sustainable tourism are also part of its story. The Protected Area Management Board, through the Palaui Environmental Protectors Association (PEPA), is at the forefront of these efforts. The landscape, trekking destination and conservation efforts are different aspects of the island to consider when planning a trip.

Experiences by the Water and in the Forest

Buwacag Falls in Barangay Santa Clara, Santa Ana, offers a chance to cool off by the water and rapids on hot days. The culture and traditions of the Agta (Atta) community are highlighted in the area around the falls; the community lives nearby. This connection relates to the area surrounding the falls.

At the Cagayan Forest and Eco-Tourism Park in the Nassiping area of Gattaran, you can take a forest walk and try forest bathing. The park’s One-Town-One-Product Pavilion also gives visitors the opportunity to buy locally made products. The walk and forest bathing focus on nature, while the pavilion adds locally made products to the experience.

The Cagayan Farm School and Agri-Eco Tourism Park in Anquiray, Amulung offers a different kind of learning. Visitors can discover the latest agricultural technology there. Tourists can also get a glimpse of farm life by booking a tour. While Palaui Island is associated with scenery and trekking, this park focuses on agriculture and a booked glimpse of everyday farm life.

Discover more destinations: Tuguegarao City, Nueva Vizcaya.

For the regional travel overview: Cagayan Valley.